The news recently of the stay at home order extending to May 30 is hard to take. As a photographer, like all small business owners and freelancers, it's been tough. I had big plans for 2020. In 2018-2019 I took fewer clients during my pregnancy and maternity leave. I was officially relaunching the business with a new website and blog this Spring and then pandemic hit. I grieved for the plans and future I envisioned. I am guessing this isn't the 2020 vision you had either.
How can we help each other? Write reviews, share about other's businesses on your social media and blogs, buy gift certificates, and if a business is open, show up for them, and support the hell out of them!
So here are just a few businesses that I love and are open right now. I will continue to share these lists so please tell me about your business or small businesses you love.
Spilt Milk I often go on and on about how wonderful Molly and Meg. Everything they create is amazing. But today I will just let you drool over the photos. They have adapted to this season better than any business I have seen. Check out their online order system and easy no contact curbside pickup! Also, check out their retail section they carry some groceries and hard to find items! When they hear a need in the community they deliver! Yeast is now available too because it was hard to find. And as of May 6, Publican Bread is back! Spilt Milk Pastry They sell other local goods like Metric Coffee and Rare Bird Preserves.
LIfePath Therapy Associates, LLC This is a tough season and we often need someone to help us navigate these emotions and anxiety. Lifepath Therapy is accepting new clients and offers virtual session options. They have an Instagram now and have been sharing some great content. Check out the recent video by Hannah on their Instagram wonderful advice to parents working from home.
Their beautiful office space was designed by Kristina Bailey Art and Design. If you need some new artwork or a design refresh on your home now that you are spending more time there contact Kristina Bass Bailey!
Addis Cafe The Honey Nutmeg Latte is my favorite latte! Owner Kalki is warm, friendly and the kind of sunshine we all need. And that berry scone! Waffles are delicious too, wouldn't that be a great treat right now?! Currently closed Mondays I believe but otherwise open until 2 pm for carryout orders. Call ahead or order at the counter. She does a good job social distancing and sanitizing. One of the baristas, Kelsey, is making MASKS! Contact her on her Instagram account for local mask orders. https://www.instagram.com/too.by.three She has fun fabrics and both adults and kids. I got a Frozen one, see the lovely selfie of me in it.
So many others I love but hey I have to stop this local love fest at some point :)
There is a full list someone else made with the Oak Park restaurants and check out the Rewards Program too!
Sugar Beet Food Co-op This place has been our place for grocery tranquility. I feel so safe and calm shopping there. Customers required to sanitize upon entering, carts are clean, shields for the cashiers, limited people in-store, senior hours. A lot of this they were some of the first to do. So many local brands here also. http://sugarbeetcoop.squarespace.com/
Alpine Food Shop in Elmwood Park is open for pickup Tues-Sunday. So delicious. They also have deli meat, pasta sauces, potato salad, and other grocery items. https://www.alpinefoodshop.com/
Swati Saxena If you need to sell, buy or rent a home during this time (or ever) she's your girl! She's doing virtual tours. She's an amazing realtor and person. https://www.facebook.com/YourTrustedRealEstateResource/
Geppetto's Toy Box I love this place so much. They have been doing video calls with the owner to shop. They currently use a local carrier service to get amazing toys to you. I don't know for sure but I believe as of May 1st they have curbside pickup again. https://geppettostoybox.com/
The Book Table another wonderful local business I hope stays in our community a long time but also needs our help. As of May 1st they have curbside pickup again. Let's get all the books, journals, magazines, cards, and other goodies we can from them. Think Local first instead of Amazon. Any great book recommendations for me? Currently, I am loving Rachel Hollis. Anyone else doing her Next 90 Days Challenge? https://www.booktable.net/
Lively Athletics I know you all need new workout gear for all the extra running and such right? Okay okay we just all need yoga pants for comfort. HAHA. Lively has those too!
https://www.livelyathletics.com/
The Lantern Haus Have you seen the cute balloons they are doing? What a unique way to celebrate during these times! (if you do this, please let me know! I might have to go on a walk with my camera) They are posting drink recipes too, yum! https://www.thelanternhaus.com/
I know I am forgetting so many more. I will just have to make this a regular thing! Maybe a little shorter next time :)
In addition to the portraits and events that I have become known for in my career, I was quietly following my passion on the side. If you follow me personally or on Instagram: @tinaharle you undoubtedly have heard me rave about local businesses for years. Even when we travel we plan around the best local coffeeshop, bookstore, cafe/restaurant or toy store. We don't use Amazon, seriously. We shop local first as much as possible, then the bigger box stores. And when local businesses close I often cry. So you can imagine this time is anxiety-filled for me too because I love my fellow business owners. We are a community and we must raise each other up. I went into photography because I love telling stories and capturing moments in time. But also because I want to make a difference with my work.
So how can I help you right now? Do you need product photos to sell online? Do you need stock images to have something to post on social media? Do you need portraits of yourself or staff? Maybe some of your staff in masks handing out food and showing your safe practices.
I know times are very tough and you are probably thinking you can't hire a photographer. I hesitated even to mention my photography in this post because it's not about me. But a good friend reminded me recently that I have to fight for my business too with as much passion as I fight for other small businesses. I have to let people know what I do. I wish I was in the position to give away my photography services but I am a business too. I do donate sessions when I can for fundraisers and I photograph for local preschool auction. However, I limit the number of donations each year so I too can stay in business. These are unprecedented times so I am also willing to find creative solutions. I never want the budget to be the reason I can't help your business grow. So let's chat and see what we can come up with for your business. If you have an idea for a collaboration or other ways I can help please let me know. As always I will continue to promote local business and help support this community. We are in this together.
Please note I will be following social distancing guidelines as well as following a current stay at home orders. Since on May 1st the guidelines in Illinois have changed a little I will now be taking clients again. I will be following all the rules, such as maintaining 6+ feet distance, wearing a mask when inside a public place or distance can’t be kept, and taking home as much as possible. I can recommend creative solutions like independently photographing your products in my home or taking portraits out front of your business from a safe distance.
Yes, I am now offering the popular porch photos, or as I like to call them At Home Sessions. I will send out more information soon, but if you are interested please let me know to get on the list.
Oh, If you are interested in a full portrait session you can purchase a gift certificate now and we will book a session as soon as I have the all-clear to be in those spaces. Future portrait sessions make great Mother's Day gifts!
Follow me on Instagram: tinaharle Right now I post a lot about my kids, getting through this season and local businesses.